Starting your day off with a bang brings awesomeness to it! Morning rituals are a great way to jump start your day and align yourself for the remainder of your daily activities. In the last couple months, I have shifted my morning routine a bit, and have started drinking warm water with fresh lemon juice before I start on anything else. And if you have been following along, you can see that I am a big fan of all things lemon.

So not only is warm water and lemon a great way to nourish your body, but it is also gives you an opportunity to center yourself before the day starts in full force. So let’s see how we can combine the physical, chemical, and emotional benefits to improve your overall health with a simple morning ritual by being:

Vitamin boost: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and potassium, as well as calcium and copper. These vitamins help boost your immune system to fight colds and potassium stimulates nervous system function.

pH equalizer: Even though, lemon on their own are acidic, once they are ingested and metabolized, they become alkaline. As discussed before, our bodies thrive in an alkaline environment and our health depends on it.

Digestion aid: The combination of warm water and lemon helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis (that helps move things in the intestines), which promotes regular bowel movements that are important for good health in order to rid the body of toxins. In addition, the warm water with lemon helps flush out the body system by increasing urination and removing toxins through urine.

Deep hydration: Starting your day with a hydration boost helps your body perform all of its appropriate functions. Deep hydration removes toxins from inside through the gut and outside through the skin; helps reduce the stress on the body with healthy and non-fatigued adrenal glands, and even promotes weight loss by fighting off hunger cravings.

So try it for a month, just squeeze a juice from half a lemon and mix it with a cup of warm water (not hot or boiling water!).

Share in the comments below which morning rituals you already practice, and if you already do the lemon water, what benefits have you noticed?

This is a conversation I have multiple times each day in my office. And the answer is typically: “Probably not enough, Doc!” During the hot season of summer, it is important to maintain an adequate hydration in the body, so drinking enough water and eating hydrating food is a must. So why exactly is water so important in the body? Read on…

The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. A rule of thumb, 2/3 of body is consists of water, and it is the main component of human body. Most of the body’s tissues and organs are mainly made up of water.

Muscle consists of 75% water

Brain consists of 90% of water

Bone consists of 22% of water

Blood consists of 83% water

The functions of water in human body are vital:

Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells

Moisturizes the air in lungs

Helps with metabolism

Protects our vital organ

Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better

Regulates body temperature

Detoxifies

Protects and moisturizes our joints

The harmful effects result from dehydration:

Tiredness

Migraine

Constipation

Muscle cramps

Irregular blood pressure

Kidney problems

Dry skin

20% dehydrated – Risk of death

Symptoms of Dehydration

Here are some of the symptoms that you need more water:

Dark Urine – Yellow or Orange in Color: Dark color or strong smell indicates that you need to drink more water.

Dry Skin: Skin is the largest body organ and requires its share of water.

Thirst: Thirst is the most obvious sign that you’re already dehydrated. It is always a good practice to drink more water when your are not thirsty, don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Hunger: Most people mistake hunger for the indication to eat more, whereas in actual fact, they may be dehydrated. So before you have your meal, grab a glass of water.

Aids in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.

Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.

Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water allows the body to flush its metabolites appropriately, helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system.

Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you.

Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.

Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.

So, how much water should you drink? 8 glasses a day? More or less? Ideally, drinking half of your body weight in ounces would create a tremendous benefit. For example, let’s say you weigh 160 lbs., so you should drink 80 ounces of water during the day, which is 8 10-ounce glasses of water.

During the summer, hydrating foods are very accessible and yummy! Try some of these foods & drinks:

Winter months tend to keep us warm and cozy, so it is of ultimate importance to take good care of yourself – body, mind, and spirit! Are you wondering how to get started and what to do to stay healthy and happy?!

So here are some simple tips to help you take care of your whole being:

1. Stay nourished.

The holiday season can be a time of indulgences, like baked goods, breads, cheese, and alcohol. So in preparation for the big festivities, consider reducing stimulants, such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, simple starches, and other heavy chemically-laden foods. Take a short reprieve by enjoying quality nutrient-dense foods and supplements. A good addition to the holiday regiment is magnesium-packed foods, such as lots of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, to help maintain a healthy response to stress. If you have a need for an extra calming effect, especially if travelling, consider a magnesium supplement, such as Natural Calm at your local health food store. Using spices, such as garlic, ginger, and peppers, in cooking are a great way to boost the immune system and protect the body against colds in a shorter time span. It is also important to listen to your body and observe how you feel. Make sure to include enough omega-3s in your diet, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, which will help you reduce the amount of inflammation in the body and fight the winter “blues.”

2. Stay hydrated.

This may be a bit redundant, but hydration is essential regardless of the season. It helps control appetite, reduces overindulgences, helps control the metabolism, moisturizes the air in the lungs as well as all cells of the body, and detoxifies, especially with a heavier alcohol intake.

3. Soothe with warm liquids.

Warm tea can be great for a sore throat and cough, breaking a fever, calming nausea and upset stomach, and improving digestion. My go-to choices include mint, ginger, chamomile, green tea, etc. They are delicious with raw honey, lemon, and cinnamon sticks. Other great beverages are warm cider and hot cocoa with almond milk. In addition, this is the ultimate time for delicious soups, which can be prepare with a multitude of choices with lots of vegetables, legumes, grains, and lean proteins.

4. Take the time to breathe.

I find myself reminding my patients of that continuously. Stress often makes us forget to breathe as well as forget how to breathe properly. Consider this breathingexercise: Sit still and tall somewhere comfortable with a neutral spine. Close the eyes and begin breathing through the nose. Inhale for a count of 2; hold the breath in for a count of 1. Exhale gently, counting out for 4; finish by holding the breath out for a count of 1.

5. Move your body.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress during hectic times, while staying healthy, maintaining weight, increasing energy levels, and improving the mood. During the winter months, you may have options for some fun outdoor activities and sports, such as hiking, ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, and sledding.

6. Go outside.

As the days get shorter and darker and colder, it is important to spend some time outside in the sunshine to increase the vitamin D production. So get outside for 15 minutes a day 3-5 times per week to improve health and mood. Consider changing the light bulbs and in your house to “full spectrum” bulbsand lighting systems (this is great product by Nikken) to mimic natural light. The dietary supplementation of 2,000-4,000 IUs is available in foods, such as shiitake and button mushrooms, fish, cod liver oil, eggs, and cruciferous vegetables.

Explore natural health options to maximize the immune system function that will lead to less stress and better health during the colder months!

With a busy holiday schedule, sleep is often sacrificed. Time management and discipline are essential in maintaining a consistent sleeping schedule. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep to normalize the sleeping pattern and get more energy. “Full spectrum” lighting systems, similar to the one by Nikken, is another great way to help maintain natural circadian rhythms, the cycle of sleeping and waking.

8. Take a hot bath.

Soaking a hot bath once a week with Epsom salt, essential oils (try lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile), and even baking soda is a great way to relax, calm the mind and body, as well as detoxify from toxins. If you take a bath before bed, it can improve sleep and help you feel energized the next day.

Keeping the nervous system at optimal function by allowing the body to communicate to the brain appropriately is a vital aspect of spinal and overall health through a natural, effective, drug-free approach to health that promotes natural healing function and potential.. Chiropractic allows the body to release the accumulated physical, mental, and chemical stress and further allows the appropriate alignment and movement in the spine and its structures. Chiropractors work with people of all ages, including newborn babies, pregnant women and children. Talk to your local chiropractor today and start on the path to health to maximize your nervous and immune system function that leads to overall more energy and increased vitality!

10. Be generous.

Giving to others should be a part of our everyday life, yet this tends to be the time that it is the most often remembered. Take the time out to help and nourish others by offering your generosity, not necessarily in terms of material things, but offer your time and volunteer for those who need the help in any shape or form. By nourishing and loving yourself, be grateful for your circumstance and offer your love to others. In addition, accept the help from others because they want to be of service to you as well. This is a season of giving and receiving, so practice both!

If you do not already have a local chiropractor, call Dr. Tijana at 706.254.4579 to schedule your first appointment for YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY!

With the colder months upon us and the holiday season just around the corner, this can be a wonderful time of the year. However, it is important to take good care of yourself – body, mind, and spirit! So here are some simple tips on helping you stay healthy and happy during a potentially stress-induced festivities.

Stay nourished. The holiday season can be a time of indulgences, like baked goods, breads, cheese, and alcohol. So in preparation for the big festivities, consider reducing stimulants, such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, simple starches, and other heavy chemically-laden foods. Take a short reprieve by enjoying quality nutrient-dense foods and supplements. A good addition to the holiday regiment is magnesium-packed foods, such as lots of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, to help maintain a healthy response to stress. If you have a need for an extra calming effect, especially if travelling, consider a magnesium supplement, such as Natural Calm at your local health food store. Using spices, such as garlic, ginger, and peppers, in cooking are a great way to boost the immune system and protect the body against colds in a shorter time span. It is also important to listen to your body and observe how you feel. Make sure to include enough omega-3s in your diet, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, which will help you reduce the amount of inflammation in the body and fight the winter “blues.”

Stay hydrated. This may be a bit redundant, but hydration is essential regardless of the season. It helps control appetite, reduces overindulgences, helps control the metabolism, moisturizes the air in the lungs as well as all cells of the body, and detoxifies, especially with a heavier alcohol intake.

Soothe with warm liquids. Warm tea can be great for a sore throat and cough, breaking a fever, calming nausea and upset stomach, and improving digestion. My go-to choices include mint, ginger, chamomile, green tea, etc. They are delicious with raw honey, lemon, and cinnamon sticks. Other great beverages are warm cider and hot cocoa with almond milk. In addition, this is the ultimate time for delicious soups, which can be prepare with a multitude of choices with lots of vegetables, legumes, grains, and lean proteins.

Take the time to breathe. I find myself reminding my patients of that continuously. Stress often makes us forget to breathe as well as forget how to breathe properly. Consider this breathingexercise: Sit still and tall somewhere comfortable with a neutral spine. Close the eyes and begin breathing through the nose. Inhale for a count of 2; hold the breath in for a count of 1. Exhale gently, counting out for 4; finish by holding the breath out for a count of 1.

Move your body.Exercise is a great way to reduce stress during hectic times, while staying healthy, maintaining weight, increasing energy levels, and improving the mood. During the winter months, you may have options for some fun outdoor activities and sports, such as hiking, ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, and sledding.

Go outside. As the days get shorter and darker and colder, it is important to spend some time outside in the sunshine to increase the vitamin D production. So get outside for 15 minutes a day 3-5 times per week to improve health and mood. Consider changing the light bulbs and in your house to “full spectrum” bulbsand lighting systems (this is great product by Nikken) to mimic natural light. The dietary supplementation of 2,000-4,000 IUs is available in foods, such as shiitake and button mushrooms, fish, cod liver oil, eggs, and cruciferous vegetables.

Explore natural health options to maximize the immune system function that will lead to less stress and better health during the colder months!

Get some sleep. With a busy holiday schedule, sleep is often sacrificed. Time management and discipline are essential in maintaining a consistent sleeping schedule. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep to normalize the sleeping pattern and get more energy. “Full spectrum” lighting systems, similar to the one by Nikken, is another great way to help maintain natural circadian rhythms, the cycle of sleeping and waking.

Take a hot bath. Soaking a hot bath once a week with Epsom salt, essential oils (try lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile), and even baking soda is a great way to relax, calm the mind and body, as well as detoxify from toxins. If you take a bath before bed, it can improve sleep and help you feel energized the next day.

Chiropractic. Keeping the nervous system at optimal function by allowing the body to communicate to the brain appropriately is a vital aspect of spinal and overall health through a natural, effective, drug-free approach to health that promotes natural healing function and potential.. Chiropractic allows the body to release the accumulated physical, mental, and chemical stress and further allows the appropriate alignment and movement in the spine and its structures. Chiropractors work with people of all ages, including newborn babies, pregnant women and children. Talk to your local chiropractor today and start on the path to health to maximize your nervous and immune system function that leads to overall more energy and increased vitality!

Be generous. Giving to others should be a part of our everyday life, yet this tends to be the time that it is the most often remembered. Take the time out to help and nourish others by offering your generosity, not necessarily in terms of material things, but offer your time and volunteer for those who need the help in any shape or form. By nourishing and loving yourself, be grateful for your circumstance and offer your love to others. In addition, accept the help from others because they want to be of service to you as well. This is a season of giving and receiving, so practice both!

Beautiful skin start internally by keeping the body healthy and strong from inside out. Our bodies can be taxed by poor eating and lifestyle habits, and environmental pollutants. If the body is well nourished with all of the appropriate nutrients, the skin will be radiant and healthy. However, if the body lacks these vital nutrients, the skin will reflect that with signs of stress and aging. In addition, some of the beauty products may contain harmful chemicals and threaten long-term health and beauty.

Here are some suggestions for remedies on how to accomplish beautiful, healthy, and balanced skin from inside out:

Nutrition: Eating a diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables is important to maintain the right balance of nutrients with plentiful fiber and water. Eliminating sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed food products help decrease inflammation and acidity in the body. This combination of dietary choices helps maintain a healthy digestive system and support proper elimination, which allows for an active metabolism, increased energy levels, and beautiful skin. Consider green juices that purify kidneys, clean the blood, increase the alkalinity in the body, get rid of acidic waste, and hydrate the body on a cellular level, which all lead to radiant skin and health. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as they significantly dehydrate the body.

Hydration: Keeping the body well hydrated inside and out is important to keep the cells moisturized. Drinking enough water is essential. In addition, keeping the living environment humidified decreases the tendency for dry skin and scalp, even nasal passages.

Skincare products: Choose products that do not contain chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and harsh abrasives. Maintaining a delicate moisture balance is important not to dehydrate skin’s barriers, so avoid any product that contains alcohol, glycerin, benzoyl peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and BPA. Consider using products that contain naturally-occurring fruit acids or enzyme, which allow for a better absorption of topical antioxidants and humectants.

Exercise: Moderate physical exercise each day increases blood flow to the skin, the brain, and the organs of the body, which results in a beautiful flushed complexion and glow, as sweating eliminates toxins. It also helps improve sleep, which encourages regeneration of body’s tissues.

Shower routine: Before bath time, consider dry brushing to remove dead skin cells and increase circulation and stimulate the removal of toxic through the lymphatic system. Also, use lukewarm water and not spending prolonged time in the shower or bath. Alkalizing water filters for the whole house, especially for the shower, are a great way to change the skin’s pH and decreasing dryness.

Mediation: Creating a daily practice to decrease stress in your life is a great way to rejuvenate the mind and body. Meditation, breathing exercise, and yoga all promote diaphragmatic breathing, increased blood flow, and mental and physical rejuvenation to the whole body system.

So before using a new skincare product, consider nourishing your body from inside out in order to allow you body and spirit to shine through without the additional layers. Spend some time on yourself by feeding your body, mind, and spirit each day, and your skin and body will reflect the self-care you offer to yourself.

Food can make a significant difference when it comes down to your mood. Healthy food choices can act as natural anti-depressants while making you happy as it increases the level of seratonin in the brain and the rest of the body. Portion of the seratonin in the body is actually produced in the gut, so making the right nutritional choice is essential. Eating food, such as junk food, negatively affects your health as you are not getting proper macro- and micro-nutrients, and in some cases, unhealthy food can actually leach nutrients from the body.

Here we are going to look at foods that meet the qualifications that will make you happy and healthy:

Swiss Chard

This vegetable contains a lot of magnesium. Magnesium is a nutrient that is a vital part of the biochemical reactions that increase energy levels in the human body. A study in 2009 in the “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry” discovered that lower magnesium levels were associated with higher depression scores.

Blue Potatoes

Blue Potatoes are becoming much more popular at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. They have powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins; anthocyanins provide neuro-protective qualities, like reducing the brain inflammation that is commonly associated with depression, and boosting short-term memory. Your thyroid gland is maintained, as well, by the iodine found in the peel.

Mussels

Mussels have moderate to high amounts of Vitamin B12, Selenium, Iodine, protein, and Zinc, while being low in calories and fat. The Iodine helps to support the thyroid gland, which helps to regulate mood and weight; the Selenium and Zinc help the thyroid gland, as well. The Vitamin B12 helps to strengthen and insulate a person’s brain cells, which keeps the brain sharp over time.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate improves the blood-flow to the brain, and provides an instant boost in concentration and mood. This will help you to feel more energetic and vibrant. However, don’t go overboard: The “Journal of Psychopharmacology” says that all you need is a few ounces of dark chocolate each day to reap the benefits. Milk and German chocolate do not have the same benefits.

Greek Yogurt

Calcium – which Greek yogurt has large amounts of (more than milk) – helps a person’s brain by causing it to release happiness-inducing neurotransmitters. Greek yogurt also has more protein than regular yogurt, which makes weight-loss easier. Also, available with goat’s milk.

Asparagus

Asparagus has high levels of folate and tryptophan. Low levels of folate have been linked to depression in half of all cases of depression, according to recent research. Tryptophan is also used by the brain to make serotonin, which is one of the human brain’s main mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters. Turkey is a great source of tryptophan; it does require calories in order to activate its sedative-like effects.

Honey

In regards to health, honey is far better than regular sugar. Honey contains kaempferol and quercetin, which helps to prevent depression (and keep your brain healthy) by reducing inflammation in the brain. It also won’t send your body into “fat-storage” mode, like regular sugar can, by having less of an impact on blood-sugar levels.

Cherry Tomatoes

All tomatoes have a substance known as lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that fights inflammation in the brain and generally protects the brain. For best results, eat them with olive oil; olive oil helps to increase the absorption of lycopene.

Eggs

Eggs contain moderate-to-large amounts of Zinc, Vitamin B, Iodine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and protein. Not only can eggs keep you energized, they can also keep you full (stomach-wise) for longer! A 2008 study in the “International Journal of Obesity” found that people who had eggs for breakfast lost considerably more weight, compared to those who ate bagels for breakfast.

Coconuts

Coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides are special fats that fuel better moods and promote general brain-health. Coconut is also a healthy source of fat and can withstand high heat without going rancid.

Few more tips on how to increase seratonin, “the feel good hormone”:

Chiropractic care – to maintain an optimally functioning nervous system within a subluxation-free spine

During the hot season of summer, it is important to maintain an adequate hydration in the body, so drinking enough water and eating hydrating food is a must. So why exactly is water so important in the body? Read on…

The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. A rule of thumb, 2/3 of body is consists of water, and it is the main component of human body. Most of the body’s tissues and organs are mainly made up of water.

Muscle consists of 75% water

Brain consists of 90% of water

Bone consists of 22% of water

Blood consists of 83% water

The functions of water in human body are vital:

Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells

Moisturizes the air in lungs

Helps with metabolism

Protects our vital organ

Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better

Regulates body temperature

Detoxifies

Protects and moisturizes our joints

The harmful effects result from dehydration:

Tiredness

Migraine

Constipation

Muscle cramps

Irregular blood pressure

Kidney problems

Dry skin

20% dehydrated – Risk of death

Symptoms of Dehydration

Here are some of the symptoms that you need more water:

Dark Urine – Yellow or Orange in Color: Dark color or strong smell indicates that you need to drink more water.

Dry Skin: Skin is the largest body organ and requires its share of water.

Thirst: Thirst is the most obvious sign that you’re already dehydrated. It is always a good practice to drink more water when your are not thirsty, don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Hunger: Most people mistake hunger for the indication to eat more, whereas in actual fact, they may be dehydrated. So before you have your meal, grab a glass of water.

Aids in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.

Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.

Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water allows the body to flush its metabolites appropriately, helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system.

Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so will you.

Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.

Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.

So, how much water should you drink? 8 glasses a day? More or less? Ideally, drinking half of your body weight in ounces would create a tremendous benefit. For example, let’s say you weigh 160 lbs., so you should drink 80 ounces of water during the day, which is 8 10-ounce glasses of water.

During the summer, hydrating foods are very accessible and yummy! Try some of these foods & drinks: